Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Name: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Posted on June 2, 2025

Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

Dinner

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Looking for a bold and easy dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes or less? This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is packed with savory flavor, vibrant veggies, and a hint of lemony freshness. It’s a satisfying skillet meal that brings together classic Mediterranean ingredients like garlic, cherry tomatoes, and olives with hearty ground beef. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or tossing together a last-minute dinner, this dish is your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is everything you want in a quick dinner: easy, healthy-ish, and totally delicious. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, fresh herbs, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen—just simple pantry staples and a few fresh add-ins. It’s also super flexible: serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even stuffed in a pita! Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients

This stir fry uses fresh, flavorful ingredients that are easy to find and quick to prep. It’s all about layering Mediterranean-inspired goodness in one pan!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry comes together in just a few simple steps. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, colorful, and full of flavor—without the hassle.

How to make it:

Heat the oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the sliced red onion for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add garlic and spices
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss in veggies
Add the bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the veggies are tender and the tomatoes are slightly blistered.
Finish with lemon
Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish and serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta if using, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This dish is the definition of quick and satisfying. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights when time is tight but you still want something nourishing and flavorful.

Servings: Makes about 4 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Serve it as-is, or pair it with rice, couscous, or a side salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tips and Variations

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is super flexible—here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, lamb, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
Add more veggies: Zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts blend beautifully into the mix.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
Serve it different ways: Stuff it into pita bread, spoon it over couscous, or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps.
Dairy-free? Skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of hummus or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.

Storage

Got leftovers? This stir fry keeps really well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This stir fry is great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.

2. What can I serve this with?
It’s perfect over rice, quinoa, couscous, cauliflower rice, or tucked into warm pita bread.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

4. Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, as written, it’s naturally low in carbs. Pair with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.

5. Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground lamb adds a rich, authentic Mediterranean flavor.

6. Do I have to use Kalamata olives?
Nope—use green olives, black olives, or skip them if you’re not a fan.

7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free meal you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, packed with bold Mediterranean ingredients, and easy to customize to your taste. Whether you serve it over grains, in a wrap, or just as-is, it’s sure to satisfy. Plus, with minimal cleanup and plenty of leftovers, it’s a win for your schedule and your taste buds.

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